YMCA crafts three-year strategic plan

Participants in a crowded YMCA Zumba class use weights that are shakers and act as percussion to the music.

JANESVILLE  The YMCA of Northern Rock County cranked three home runs and had some big hits in the past five years.

Now, CEO Tom Den Boer and the YMCA’s 25-member board of directors have created a new game plan for 2011-14.

During the past five years, YMCA membership grew by 1,718, the number of program participants increased by 5,154 and dollars donated for people who can’t afford YMCA access grew by $140,151, Den Boer said.

The past five years provide a foundation for the new three-year plan, Den Boer said.

“It’s a good framework and guides what this organization is out to accomplish,” Den Boer said. “It is more effective and realistic and allows the flexibility to make adjustments in this fast-paced world today.’’

Goals in the new plan include:

-- Expansion based on community need. YMCA leaders still envision a new facility on five acres the Y bought from the city of Milton in Crossridge Park. Although the concept has been approved, a capital campaign to raise $4 million in private money has not yet begun.

Den Boer admitted raising the money would be a challenge and stressed the money would have to be raised or pledged before building can begin.

He said the YMCA is “close to launching a capital campaign.’’

-- Collaboration with municipalities, businesses, churches and other organizations to create programs and services.

“Nothing is formal. It’s ongoing dialogue and an exploratory discussion of ways to enhance the Y’s mission,’’ Den Boer said.

-- Diversification through new initiatives. Staff attends national workshops and conferences and brainstorms locally.

“It gives us a feel for what’s going on here and feedback we can evaluate. We have focus groups and consistently evaluate what we already are doing,” Den Boer said.

-- Membership retention.

“Once you’ve sold that membership, we want them to stay,’’ Den Boer said.